Wilson Marine
Published: Tuesday, May 8, 2012 7:00 am
By: Wilson Marine
Throughout the past 63 years, Wilson Marine has focused on offering a family atmosphere, providing quality affordable service and selling fun. This year is no different. People will continue to have fun, and there is no better way to enjoy life and your family than being out on a boat.
The year was 1949. President Truman was in office, the Yankees had beaten the Dodgers in the World Series, the Lone Ranger was galloping across TV sets, post World War II America was emerging and the baby boom had begun.
Out in Brighton, Michigan, a water sports enthusiast named Ken Wilson prepared to pursue his own American Dream: to own his own business. It was his love of boating and fishing that spurred Ken to go into the boating business.
In 1949, with financial help from his father, Wilson opened his first store called Wilson Sales and Rental Service. Early on, Ken Wilson understood the need to offer his customers quality products, large selections and, most importantly, good service; values that continue to be held in the present day by his sons Ron and Randy Wilson.
Throughout the 1950's, the boating industry grew with many new manufacturers popping up. Ken saw the competitors and decided to compete, not by adding showroom space but by concentrating his efforts in the service department. He welcomed service customers who had purchased elsewhere but needed local service.
In 1987, Wilson expanded his showroom allowing more than 50 boats to remain displayed at one time, becoming one of the largest indoor boat showrooms in Michigan. Showing the diversity of the dealership, Wilson added large mid-range cruisers and motor yachts.
Throughout the 1990's, Wilson Marine continued to sell more than 1,000 boats a year, and at the vision of Ron and Randy Wilson, the service facility was expanded. The 18,000 square foot parts and service complex now sits on 20 acres and with 26 service bays which includes a state-of-the-art paint and fiberglass area and an on-site water test facility. Wilson continues to never lose sight of its "Service First" philosophy. In 1990, Boat and Motor magazine honored Ken and his sons for all their hard work, giving them the honor of being the National Dealer of the Year.
At the time of his passing, Ken was credited for selling more than 30,000 boats and motors. You might even have owned one and chances are you've ridden in a boat delivered by Wilson Marine.
As Wilson Marine entered the 21st century, the company continued to expand its operations. 2001 brought the grand opening of Wilson Marine II; and in 2004, the ribbon was cut on a new state-of-the-art test drive center giving the customer an opportunity to drive before they buy. Wilson Marine has also opened new locations in Commerce Township and Harrison Township. They have expanded their storage capabilities providing for over 750 boats in the air and another 500 stored inside their storage centers. Their parts and accessories areas have doubled in size providing all the water toys you can imagine.
Now with Brad and Greg as the third generation of Wilsons on board, Wilson Marine continues to grow by looking into new locations across the state of Michigan. In just 10 years, the number of boats they sell a year has doubled, selling boats all around the world.
When you see a boat with the Wilson Marine logo on the back of a boat, you know you're getting a quality boat, tested and rigged correctly.
“The staff at Wilson Marine would like to thank the hundreds of thousands of customers we've had the pleasure to meet and service,” said Rob Wilson. “With another boating season approaching, we will continue to be there for our customers just as we have for the past 6 decades.”
Quality Brands
Wilson Marine carries some of the most reputable brands in the industry: pontoon boats from J.D. Power Award winners Bennington and Harris Flotebote, and compact pontoons from Apex; aluminum fishing boats by Crestliner, Smokercraft, Starcraft, and Lowe; fiberglass boats from Bayliner, J.D. Power award winning Crownline, and Glastron; and offshore fiberglass center consoles and walk arounds from Trophy.
With the economic downturn a few years ago, most dealers have struggled to maintain a full and current inventory of boats for the customer to choose from, but Wilson Marine has kept all four of their Metro Detroit locations stockpiled with new boats along with an inventory of pre-owned units in all different configurations, sizes and price ranges.
Four Locations
With the addition of the Harrison Twp. location, Wilson Marine is now able to more conveniently service the Cruiser segment of the Industry. Just minutes from Lake St. Clair’s Metro Beach, and across the street from Beacon Cove Marina, the Harrison Twp. location can accommodate boats up to 50 feet. The Harrison Twp. store routinely displays over fifty boats in the showroom and has a full assortment of cruisers up to 35’, so it always feels like a boat show at Wilson Marine Harrison. Parts, accessories, and service will be added this spring.
Wilson Marine Oakland serves the Waterford/Commerce area and houses several pontoons, fishing boats, and a full assortment of Glastron fiberglass runabouts. WMO offers a full parts and accessories department with a large inventory of OEM and aftermarket parts, and an array of toys for all of your watersports needs.
Wilson Marine 2 is located in Howell and specializes in pontoons by Harris Flotebote and Apex. They also have several Crownline and Crestliner boats on display along with the bulk of Wilson Marine’s used boat inventory. If you’re looking for a pre-enjoyed boat and Wilsons doesn’t have it, you can fill out the “Boat Finder” at www.wilsonboats.com and they will do their best to find it for you.
Wilson Marine Center in Brighton is the headquarters of the operation, and specializes in Bennington pontoons, Bayliner and Trophy fiberglass boats, and fishing boats from Starcraft and Smokercraft. From the island theme of the showroom to the talking pirate, if you are a boater, the Brighton location is a must see. Here you can also find one of Michigan’s largest marine accessories departments that stocks everything a boater could want.
You can view Wilson’s inventory online and also learn about different events and specials at www.wilsonboats.com, or visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com\boatsarecool.
Life is short… Boats are cool!
